Random thoughts to consider....

[Wheeler]

......continued from previous post......



Saul committed many in the early church to prison.....the unlearned and unstable men who wrest his words also have put the church in “prison” throughout history. Saul comes from the word “Sheol” which means “the grave”.....we were to be faithful unto the “death.” Saul had persecuted this Way unto the “death.”

(Acts 22:4 KJV) And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

As we see in Revelation, Satan had cast the church into prison so that it may be tried. Satan and his ministers have wrested Paul (and the rest of the Scriptures) in order to throw the church...his body... into “prison”....to test “Job.” But our Lord is without sin even though we are “dead in trespasses and sins.” He forgives us for our sins by His sacrifice.

(Rev 2:10 KJV) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Our Lord has the keys of this “death” and “sheol”.... “Hades”.....to let us out of the prison of the devil....out of the “snare of the devil” who has taken the church captive by him at his will. He had been granted permission by God to test the church...as he tested Peter...as he tested Job. The “letters” of permission to do so are Paul’s letters that Satan was granted permission by God to “wrest” in order to test the church. Our Lord comes with His Truth as revealed in the Scriptures to us in this last day.

(2 Tim 2:25 KJV) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

God had given to Paul a “thorn in the flesh”.....the messenger of Satan to strike him...to buffet him....like Job was “smote with sore boils.”

(2 Cor 12:5 KJV) Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

Paul says here that he desires to glory in the Truth.....but now he “forbears.” The truth of what Paul is really saying has been put on hold while Satan wrests them. ...but his words will eventually speak the Truth in Christ Jesus. We shall see his “face” again in Christ Jesus....who will reveal the hidden Truth.

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

There are abundant “revelations” in Paul’s letters. But, so that he is not exalted above measure by men, the messenger of Satan was given to his writings to be a thorn in the flesh. Men in their fleshly understanding have literalized Paul....wresting his words....to deceive and keep the Truth hidden until the appointed time of the revelation of Jesus Christ who will pull the cover off of the Scriptures and show us His knowledge.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

He besought the Lord “three” times that it might depart from him. “Three” represents spiritually the time that the writings of Paul and the rest of the Scriptures would suffer at the hands of the enemy. “Three” represents the time Jesus was persecuted, crucified, died and rose from the grave.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

The power of Christ shall rest upon his words....the Truth shall be revealed...after the time of his “infirmities”.....after the time of the mouth of the lion that has devoured him is completed.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It is no coincidence that Paul by the “space of THREE years” ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears about the coming of the “grievous wolves.”

(Acts 20:28 KJV) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Paul knew that after his “departing” that the grievous wolves would enter in among us and not spare the flock....the church. After his departure, his “face” would not be seen any longer. Then there would arise those who would distort his words not sparing the flock. After the Truth of Paul’s words would go silent, the wolves did come in and wrest his writings.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

We were to “watch and remember” his words....his warnings. We were to stay “awake” and watch out for the wolves.....the lion...the adversary...who roars with Paul’s misspoken words and seeks whom he may devour.

31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Paul coveted no man’s silver, gold or apparel. The “wolves” would distort Paul for those things. He warned us of what to look out for....those men who would wrest his letters and the rest of the Scriptures for their own covetousness......which has been a powerful motivation to do so. They want to keep the church in their prisons.

33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

It is no coincidence that Paul uses the word “wolves” as a way of describing them. Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin.

(Phil 3:5 KJV) Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Benjamin is compared to a “wolf”......the “wolves” are those who specifically misuse Paul of the tribe of Benjamin in order to deceive. They use his very letters in order to deceive. They are “wolves” in sheep’s clothing seeking the prey....those of the church... whom they may devour. They misuse Paul’s letters as a cover to teach falsehoods.... that pose as teachings of righteousness. Their works are evil works that are a result of Paul’s words being wrested.

(Gen 49:27 KJV) Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

But in the “morning” of the revealed Truth....Paul’s writings shall reveal Christ Jesus who is the TRUTH which shall devour those who wrest him. They will continue to wrest his letters to their own destruction. He comes in the “THIRD” time. He besought the Lord that the thorn be removed three times....he warned us with tears for a “space of three years” about the “wolves”....he comes in the THIRD TIME....the revelation of Christ Jesus. Christ speaks through Paul’s words....in the mouth of two or three witnesses....shall every word be established. The Lord comes to strengthen Paul .... He comes to rescue Paul from the “mouth of the lion.” He comes to remove the “thorn” of the messenger of Satan. He comes to establish Paul’s writings in the revealed, spiritual Truth....in Christ Jesus. Paul will not spare those who will continue in missing the mark of his writings....sins.

(2 Cor 13:1 KJV) This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

Christ SPEAKS IN PAUL.....through his letters...to us at the “third time.”

3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

Paul’s letters were made weak....just as Jesus was crucified through weakness. But as Jesus lives by the power of God, so will the Scriptures be made living by His power toward us. Paul’s writings will be made living by the power of God in our understanding. The Word of God will be a swift witness against those who willfully continue to misuse it.

4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

Paul’s coming with Christ Jesus....in the third time....shall build us up. His writings as revealed by Christ Jesus will build us into a holy temple of God. But those who will continue to wrest His Word will wrest them to their own destruction. Benjamin shall be as “wolf” and devour the prey in the “morning” of the revelation of Christ Jesus.

10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

To be continued......to be continued.....

 

[Chickapee]

I will read this tonight with an open mind Wheeler ............

Thanks so much for sharing this food for thought
Blessings C .

 

[Wheeler]

As Paul indicates in 1st Thessalonians, his face has been hidden from us.....his “presence” had been taken from us for a “short time”....by the power of darkness....by Satan’s messengers who wrest Paul’s letters in order to put the church in “prison” as a test. It is the Truth of what he is saying in Christ Jesus that is hidden from us.

(1 Th 2:17 KJV) But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Paul desires for the revealed Truth to be correctly spoken from his writings. Paul has wanted to come to us in the Truth of his letters “once and again” but it is the messenger of Satan that hinders him......and the rest of the Scriptures. He looks forward to the revealing of the Lord’s knowledge within his writings.

18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

He will come to “visions and revelations of the Lord.” We will understand the revelation of Christ Jesus within Paul’s letters at the appointed time.....the time that Paul can truly glory in the Light of the Lord.

(2 Cor 12:1 KJV) It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

The messenger of Satan is a “thorn in the flesh” to Paul’s letters....for the concealing of the spiritual revelations that is contained in them. The “thorn” has literalized them in man’s mind....Satan’s messengers preach falsehoods that Paul has not spoken. Paul’s letters are within the mouth of the “lion” that devours those who are taken captive by him at his will. If we look at Proverbs 26:9, we discover what the thorn is. The “thorn” is Paul’s writings in the “mouth of fools”....the “parables” of Paul are in the “mouth of the lion.” The “hand of a drunkard” speaks of the power of those who wrest Paul....they have the power and authority to take Paul and use him to deceive those of the church. They are “drunkards”....drunk with the wine of Babylon. They covet after her trappings....riches, wealth, other men’s gold, silver and apparel. ...and they use Paul to get what they want.

(Prov 26:9 KJV) As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

The “thorn”....the messenger of Satan.... prevents men from seeing the revealed Truth within Paul’s letters.....it keeps Paul from being elevated more than he should because of the abundance of the revelations that are contained in his writings. These revelations were shown to Paul directly by Christ Jesus....no man has taught them to him.

(2 Cor 12:7 KJV) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

When the “thorn in the flesh” is removed from Paul’s message in Christ, then men will see the glory of God within his letters. They will understand much....in His Spirit of Truth. But for now, the “viper”....the poisonous snake....has “fastened” itself upon his “hand”.....as shown by example in Acts 28. Paul had “gathered a bundle of sticks”.....these are spiritually signifying his letters that he has wrote. They have been laid upon the “fire”....a testing of Satan. Satan and his preachers are the “viper” that comes out of the “heat” and fastens himself to Paul’s hand....Satan uses Paul’s letters to deceive and imprison the church. His “hand” signifies the power of God that is contained in them.....Paul’s gospel has the power of God in it. When the “viper” is fastened to Paul’s hand, his letters are in “weakness”.....Christ is still preached but in pretense. Paul’s letters are in “weakness” and “infirmities.”

(Acts 28:3 KJV) And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

For by the revealing of Christ Jesus in his teachings is the power of God. God will “wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul.”

(Acts 19:11 KJV) And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

From the “body” of Paul.....from his letters that he wrote.....will come the teachings of Christ Jesus that will heal those who have been afflicted by Satan.

12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

And continuing in Acts 28, we see that the “venomous beast” hangs on the “hand” of Paul.

Acts28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

But the Lord will soon remove the thorn .....the “beast”...the trap or snare of Satan. The “beast” will be shook off into the fire of God’s judgment and Paul’s letters will have suffered no harm. His letters will be opened up to our understanding.

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
And as the barbarians saw him as a god....we will see the glory of God within his writings. While the viper hangs on his hand, we do not exalt Paul above measure because we do not see the great abundance of the revelations that are within his letters. For now, Satan hangs on his “hand” and keeps our minds from understanding his writings. The mouth of the lion misspeaks Paul in his own literal understanding....in the “flesh.” The thorn is in the hand of the drunkard......Paul’s parables are in the “mouth of fools” ....the mouth of the lion that devours.

6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

It is by Paul’s gospel.....that the revealed Truth comes to the Scriptures....Christ Jesus opens up the Scriptures to our understanding starting with Paul’s message. He comes as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus came first 2000 years ago as the “suffering servant” but now he will come as the King of kings.....of the seed of David.

(2 Tim 2:8 KJV) Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

But before this, Paul has suffered “trouble”....his letters have been used for evil works in the mouth of fleshly-thinking men. He has been in “bonds” until the appointed Day. The church has been in “prison” at the will of Satan who had asked and received permission from God to test the church. He received “letters” from the highest authority....God. And those “letters” that he received in order to imprison the church have been Paul’s very own epistles.

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Paul has preached us the gospel no matter what....even in pretense is Christ preached through Paul....even when the viper is attached to his message.

(Phil 1:18 KJV) What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

The gospel has been preached to us in the last 2000 years through the “infirmity of the flesh”....through the pretense of the ministers of Satan.

(Gal 4:13 KJV) Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

The church has been in temptation in the flesh by the “thorn”....by the mouth of the lion....by using Paul’s letters. But we mostly have considered Paul’s epistles still as a messenger of God....no matter how badly unlearned and unstable men have wrest them.

14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

For Paul’s message is not properly seen by men. As Saul was blinded for three days after seeing the great revelation of Christ Jesus, we have not seen Paul with the spiritual eyes of the Truth for a spiritually-discerned “three” days.

15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

For Paul will come to us in the Truth ....in the revelation of Christ Jesus. His epistles will tell us the Truth....and we are not to regard him as the enemy in the TRUTH. We had previously regarded him as an “angel of God” in the preaching in the flesh at the mouth of the messenger of Satan, we should regard him not as an enemy in the glory of God in the revelation of the spiritual Truth of his letters.

16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

He desires to be “present” with us now.....to change his voice. His epistles are to be “changed” into the understanding of the spiritual Truth. Let us not make him doubt ....wanting to go back to the fleshly understanding of Paul when we hear his spiritual message. Let us not regard him as an enemy in the spiritual Truth that will be revealed.

20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

We are to flee to Paul’s spiritual gospel....in Christ Jesus. “Paul” means “little.” Like Lot showed us we are to flee to that “city”....Paul’s gospel in Christ Jesus. It is a “little one”.....a reference to Paul. Our soul shall live.

(Gen 19:20 KJV) Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.
21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

“Zoar” means “little”....for Paul had been made “little” .....in weakness and infirmities by Satan and his messengers.

22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.


For the fire of the wrath of God is coming. The viper will be shook off into the “fire.”

24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

Those that mind earthly things will have those things overthrown.

25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

Let us not look back to the fleshly understanding of Paul and the rest of the Scriptures. Let us not look back to those things built upon the fleshly understanding of man. Those things that “grow upon the ground” will be overthrown.

26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

TO BE CONTINUED......

 

[Wheeler]

Paul received the gospel that is preached of him by the revelation of Jesus Christ. This was shown by example of Saul having the light from heaven shining around about him as he came near Damascus. The whole scene in Acts 9 shows, by example, what would spiritually happen to Paul’s writings from start to finish.

(Acts 9:3 KJV) And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

All of Paul’s letters are the gospel as revealed directly to him by Jesus Christ.

(Gal 1:11 KJV) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Although Paul’s letters are a revelation of Jesus Christ, the epistles would be used temporarily against the church by Satan in order to cast the Truth down to the ground....and those of the church.

(Acts 9:2 KJV) And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Satan and his messengers were given permission from God by use of Paul’s “letters” in their fleshly understanding to haul the church to “prison” in order to test it. In Acts 9:4, Saul fell to the “earth” after the light from heaven shined around him. The spiritual Truth of Paul’s writings have also fell to the “earth”.....in the mouths of earthly-minded men who have cast the Truth contained in them down to the ground.

Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

The name “Paul” means “little.” He calls himself “least” of the apostles....because he not only persecuted the early church....but also persecutes the church even now through the wresting of his letters by the ministers of Satan. Let me reinforce...Paul’s letters are pure and noble. It is the “thorn in the flesh” that persecutes the church.

(1 Cor 15:9 KJV) For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

If we look back in Daniel, we see a “little horn.” That “little” horn is Paul’s writings in the mouths of unlearned and unstable men who preach Paul in their fleshly thinking in order to satisfy their covetousness. They preach Paul erroneously in their covetousness for “other men’s gold, silver, and apparel.” In this “horn” were “eyes like the eyes of man”.......man preaches Paul with his own earthly (the outward letter of Paul) understanding....the “eyes of man.” The “mouth speaking great things” is the “mouth of the lion” that preaches Paul in error and makes war against the church. It seeks to devour those who are unaware. The war is waged against the church with Paul’s very own letters in the mouths of unlearned and unstable men. Satan’s messengers = the “thorn in the flesh” = the “mouth of the lion” = the “viper” that has fastened to the “hand” of Paul.

(Dan 7:8 KJV) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

And we also see how the “little horn” grew exceedingly great and cast down the host and the stars to the “ground” and stamped upon them. Satan and his messengers have thrown Truth down to the ground using Paul’s letters ( by preaching them without the spiritual Truth attached to them.) Paul warned in tears for three years about the wolves that would come after his departure and not spare the flock.....and they would use his very own epistles in order to bring in divisions into the church. This has caused Paul great grief. He refers to this as his trials, tribulations, bonds, chains, hunger, thirst, nakedness, etc.

(Dan 8:9 KJV) And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.

When Paul is preached without the spiritual Truth, man in his earthly understanding has introduced divisions and hatred among the brothers. The church has been divided by the wolves......they haven’t spared the flock. The “daily” sacrifice was taken away among the churches. The commandment of Jesus is that we love one another....it is our daily indebtedness....the daily sacrifice we are to observe. As Jesus loves us .....he died for our sins, we are to love one another in his sacrifice.

11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

Truth has been cast down.

12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.

We are to love one another. The “barbarians” in Acts saw the “venomous beast” hang on his hand and thought of him as a “murderer.” When Paul is preached in the mouth of the lion (the viper being fastened to his “hand,) it causes divisions and hatred of each other among the churches. To hate each other is being guilty of “murder.” On the exterior, Paul’s writings seem to have divided the church.

(Acts 28:4 KJV) And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

And again, Satan and his ministers were given permission to take Paul’s letters and deceive those in the church ....putting it in a spiritual “prison” to test it. It was not by their own power.....God had granted this power for them to do so. As it says in Daniel 8:24..... “and his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power.” The only source of power is from God and it is with wresting Paul’s words that Satan has imprisoned the church....to destroy the mighty and holy people.

(Dan 8:24 KJV) And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

Satan’s ministers have enjoyed the riches that are gained by misinterpreting what Paul has said in his letters.

25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Paul’s words are 100% pure and noble. It is earthly-minded men...the wolves....who have taken his words and wrested them for their own covetousness. This is why Paul said that he has coveted after no man’s “silver or gold or apparel.” There is no covetousness in the spiritual Truth of Paul’s letters.

(Acts 20:33 KJV) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul, nor those who preach Paul in the revelation of Christ Jesus, makes a “gain” of the church. Only the “wolves” preach Paul in their fleshly understanding for “gain”.....for prosperity.....for “craft to prosper in their hand.”

(2 Cor 12:17 KJV) Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

And getting back to Acts 9, we see by the example of Saul that Paul’s letters will also “arise and go into the city.” His letters will be opened up to our understanding at the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. The “city” is spiritually “New Jerusalem” which is symbolic of God’s wisdom. No longer will Paul’s letters be misused to persecute the church.

Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

Paul’s letters will arise from the earthly understanding of ungodly men. The understanding of what Paul is truly saying will be opened.....when “his eyes were opened, he saw no man.” We will see no man “after the flesh” in His spiritual understanding.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

As Jesus showed us by his example, Paul shall arise from the “earth” (since the Truth had been cast down to the ground.) We shall understand Paul’s writings in the mind of Christ and see “no man” after the flesh. We shall no longer understand the Scriptures with the mind of the flesh but shall see it in His spiritual knowledge and understanding....in the mind of Christ. We shall see Paul’s “face” in the spiritual understanding of God. We shall see Paul’s spiritual face shining through the “flesh” or exterior letter of his epistles.

(2 Cor 5:15 KJV) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

Continued in next post......

 

[Wheeler]

.....CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS POST....

The number “three” in Acts 9:9. Paul had warned in tears for a “space of three years”.....he besought the Lord “three” times to remove the “thorn in the flesh”.....and he was without sight for three days. The number “three” is signifying the pattern of Jesus’ persecution, death, burial and resurrection. In like manner, Paul and the rest of the Scriptures will be renewed in the resurrection of the spiritual Truth at the appointed time. And as Saul was without sight and did not eat nor drink, so also has the church been without spiritual understanding....without “sight”....and has not ate spiritual food.

Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

It is with God’s grace we are saved. Paul’s epistles are to be rescued from the mouth of the lion in the time of God’s grace to him and us. It is the Word of His grace that will build us up....as compared to the word spoken by Satan and his ministers that have destroyed.

(Acts 20:32 KJV) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Ananias” means “Yahweh is gracious.” It is by the grace of God that Saul received his sight. It will be by the graciousness of God we also will understand Paul’s epistles in the spiritual Truth.

Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

The Lord sent Ananias into the street which is called Straight. This is “street” is spiritually referring to the wisdom of God that will open up the Scriptures in the Truth. We are also to straighten out our way before His face...we are to make straight paths for our feet when we hear His Truth. Within the Scriptures (the house of Judah), are Paul’s writings that need spiritually explained to the churches. Paul, in a sense, needs to have his “sight” restored.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

The “little horn” has destroyed the mighty and holy people.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

The power is “mighty” but not by his own power.

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Even though Paul’s epistles have been misused by Satan and his messengers to imprison the church, he is a “chosen vessel” unto the Lord to preach the pure gospel of God.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Paul’s letters are to receive their “sight” in the Lord Jesus Christ. His words are to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we may be saved from our sins by His grace. “Ananias” = “God is gracious.”

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

It is the “meat” of the Word of Truth that will strengthen Paul’s writings in our understanding. The Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen his letters in the Spirit of Truth.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

And once Paul’s spiritual message is understood in Jesus Christ, then we can be strengthened (established) according to Paul’s gospel. It is with the preaching of Jesus Christ that Paul will be explained correctly....the revelation of the mystery that has been kept secret.

(Rom 16:25 KJV) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

God shows grace to Paul and to us by revealing the Son in his words.

(Gal 1:15 KJV) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Paul had fellow workers named Timothy/ Timotheus/ Titus. There are also people in this last day that will spiritually fit their profiles. They are the “Ananias” of today who will explain Paul’s letters to the churches. They will make Paul receive his “sight” in the Lord so that we may understand and repent of our sins. Paul will have a “great door for effective work” opened to him. His letters will be opened up for our understanding.....and it is the “Timothy/Timotheus/Titus” of today who will come and do the work of the Lord. ....who will preach Paul’s gospel in the Truth of the Lord.

(1 Cor 16:9 KJV) For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

If “Timothy” comes to us, we shall “see” Paul’s “face” in the spiritual understanding of his letters. “Timothy” is collectively those people who will interpret Paul in the knowledge of Christ Jesus. They will come to preach Paul in the Truth of Christ Jesus as opposed to the preaching of the “mouth of the lion.”

(Heb 13:23 KJV) Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.


TO BE CONTINUED.......

 

[Fireinfolding]

Kool Wheeler! In Paul is definately a pattern isnt there? Love it!

Heres one I am seeing in accord with the one you are showing at least in part

Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

Shows a pattern in Paul

Acts 9:1 And Saul, **yet** breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Which is a sign of Jesus Christ (to be spoken against)

Luke 2:34 ....Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

Twofold being realized (also) in His disciples


1Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?


John 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest


Again...

Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel

Jesus called the holy child (Acts 4:27) is "set for" the fall (Paul fell first) and "rising again" (Luke 2:34) of many in Israel ...I am seeing His apostles are considered the second child which stand up in His stead (even after the similitude of Seth who was appointed in the stead of Abel)

Ecc 4:15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen.


2Cr 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

In Christ's stead

1Titus 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Shewing forth in Paul a patern

1Titus 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.


His riches blessings to you

 

[Wheeler]

Now to show some connections between Paul and Benjamin....I promise I’m going to make a point with this. The first connection is obvious...Paul is of the tribe of Benjamin.

(Phil 3:5 KJV) Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

The next connection is in the meaning of “Paul’s” name which means “little, small.” Benjamin was always referred to as “little”....or “youngest”.... the Hebrew word “qatan” means “little, least, small.” Benjamin was a “little one” or the “youngest” brother.

(Gen 44:20 KJV) And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

“Youngest” = “little, small, least.” Paul referred to himself as the “least” of the apostles.

(Gen 42:13 KJV) And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.

(Gen 42:15 KJV) Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.

(Gen 42:20 KJV) But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

Benjamin was the “little one” and was born last of all the sons of Jacob. Paul was the last apostle and he referred to himself as the “least” of the apostles. He was “born” out of due time.

(1 Cor 15:8 KJV) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

My first point of this is that Benjamin is a veiled reference to Paul’s gospel. Paul was “born” out of due time. When Benjamin was born, Rachel died shortly after. Before she did, she named him “Benoni” which means “son of my sorrow.”

(Gen 35:18 KJV) And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

Satan and his ministers had been granted permission by God to use Paul’s letters to persecute the church with....to put the church in a “spiritual” prison in order to test it. Paul’s letters, being only known and taught in the fleshly understanding of men, have brought “sorrows” upon the church. They have brought divisions, famine, hunger, thirst, hatred for one another in the church. Rachel is symbolic of heavenly wisdom....and it is from the direct revelation of Christ Jesus did Paul write his letters. Paul’s letters were “birthed” of heavenly wisdom and not from man’s teaching. Benjamin is a type for Paul’s letters. His epistles in the mouth of the lion....the messenger of Satan....was named the “son of my sorrow” by “Rachel”.....for the heavenly wisdom contained in them “died” (so to speak) shortly after they had been written (born.) When man preaches Paul’s letters in the earthly wisdom....he is a “son of my sorrows.” But Jacob called him “Benjamin”...the “son of the right hand.” He is the “son of the right hand” when Christ preaches through him the spiritual wisdom of God.

When the spiritual Truth in Paul’s letters is not understood, we do not see his “face.” If we do not see Paul’s true “face,” we do not see the “face” of Christ Jesus. As Paul indicated to us spiritually in Acts, we would see his “face” no more.

(Acts 20:25 KJV) And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

In Acts, they wept sore and “fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him. They sorrowed most of all for the “WORDS WHICH HE SPOKE.” Spiritually speaking, they sorrowed for his words that are spoken in their spiritual Truth....the Truth would be taken from them by the messenger of Satan. Not understanding Paul’s words is to not see his “face.”

(Acts 20:37 KJV) And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Now, let us compare Acts to Genesis....keeping in mind that Benjamin is a type for Paul’s letters. In Genesis, we see that the other sons of Jacob would not see the “face” of Joseph except that Benjamin was with them. Joseph is a type for Christ Jesus. We can only see His “face” if “Benjamin” is with us. We can only see Christ when Paul’s gospel is understood spiritually.

(Gen 43:3 KJV) And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.
4 If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food:
5 But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

Again, they were to bring the “youngest”....the “little, small”....brother with them in order to buy a “little” food. Without understanding Paul, we will not see the “face” of the Lord.

(Gen 44:23 KJV) And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.
24 And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.

“Little” food.....Paul’s name means “little.” In understanding Paul spiritually, there is spiritual “food” to feed our hunger in this “famine.”

25 And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food.
26 And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us.

Now compare the similar language that is used in both Acts and Genesis about falling upon the neck and weeping.

(Acts 20:37 KJV) And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Note here in Genesis 45:14.....the Hebrew word for Benjamin’s “neck” is plural.....meaning more than one neck. Benjamin’s “necks” = Benjamin and Paul’s. When the spiritual Truth of Christ’s words is reunited with the writings of Paul, there will be happiness. Joseph wept upon Benjamin’s necks after he revealed himself to all his brothers. They would not see his face without Benjamin. We cannot see the Lord’s “face” without the true understanding of the spiritual gospel preached by Paul.

(Gen 45:14 KJV) And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

The people in Acts wept because they would not see Paul’s face any longer. But there will be joy when we do see Paul’s “face” again....in the face of Christ Jesus...the spiritual Truth. When we see their “faces,” it will be a time of joy....a time of perfection in our faith.

(1 Th 3:9 KJV) For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

We will see their “face” when we read the Scriptures with His understanding. They will “speak face to face” with us so that our joy and theirs may be full.

(2 John 1:12 KJV) Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

The Light of the knowledge of the glory of God is in the “face” of Jesus Christ. He is the Truth....the spiritual Truth that shines in our hearts. We shall hear what the Scriptures are saying in the “face” of Jesus Christ. In His face is the “face” of Paul and all of the saints. We shall understand Paul’s gospel in all spiritual understanding.....that is seeing his “face.”

(2 Cor 4:6 KJV) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

And getting back to the Benjamin-Paul connection, we see in Genesis that Joseph had his “silver cup” put into the “sack’s mouth of they youngest.”

(Gen 44:2 KJV) And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.

Joseph drank and “divined” with this “silver cup.”

(Gen 44:5 KJV) Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.

This cup was found in Benjamin’s sack:

(Gen 44:12 KJV) And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack.

“Benjamin’s sack” represents Paul’s letters. As Joseph chose Benjamin’s sack to put the “silver cup,” so also did Jesus choose Paul as a chosen “vessel” to bear His name.

(Acts 9:15 KJV) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

More specifically, the “silver cup” is the REVELATION of Jesus Christ. If we look at the first verse in Revelation, we find a similar attribute of Joseph’s silver cup......they both “divine.” The silver cup.....the Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to him....is to “show his servants things which must shortly come to pass”.....in other words, tell the future or “divine.”

(Rev 1:1 KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

The “man in whose hand the cup is found” is Paul....and whoever spiritually understands Paul will also be the Lord’s servant. Paul is the “right hand” of Jesus.

(Gen 44:17 KJV) And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.

Joseph drank with the silver cup. So also we “drink” of the water of life in His “silver cup.


(Rev 22:17 KJV) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

The “silver cup” is found in the spiritually interpreted writings of Paul....as it was found in the sack’s “mouth” of Benjamin. Paul explains Revelation ....the writing of John who saw things in heaven. Paul tells us this in 2nd Corinthians. He will come to “visions and revelations of the Lord.” His writings will be used to reveal the Lord’s knowledge to us.

(2 Cor 12:1 KJV) It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Paul writes that he knew a man who was caught up to the “third heaven.” That man is John who wrote Revelation. Paul wrote that he couldn’t tell if this catching up was “in or out of the body.”

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth

And the answer is.....he was “in the Spirit.”

(Rev 1:10 KJV) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

(Rev 4:2 KJV) And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

(Rev 17:3 KJV) So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

(Rev 21:10 KJV) And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

It was John who was “caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words”.....

2 Cor 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

John was told to “come up hither” ....after a door was opened in heaven. And he was shown things which must be hereafter....he heard “unspeakable words” and wrote many things as parables which are not easily understood.

(Rev 4:1 KJV) After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.

John is the one in which Paul will “glory.” He will boast about John.....by interpreting John using Paul’s letters. Within Paul’s letters is the knowledge that explains the meanings of Revelation. The “silver cup” is within the “mouth” of “Benjamin’s sack.” ...within the “mouth” of Paul’s letters.

2 Cor 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

There is an “abundance of revelations” within Paul’s epistles. They reveal Revelation.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

continued in next post....

 

[Wheeler]

....continued from previous post...

Think of Paul’s epistles as the “right hand” of Jesus Christ. “Benjamin” means “son of the right hand.” Without “Benjamin,” we cannot see the “face” of Joseph. The “right hand” is laid upon John. Paul glories in John which is saying that Paul’s letters explain Revelation. He will vaunt John in the knowledge of God. Paul was “last.” The last shall be first.

(Rev 1:17 KJV) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

The keys of “hell and of death” are in Christ Jesus. The source of Satan’s power to keep the church in prison is the fleshly teaching of Paul’s letters. But the keys come from his letters as interpreted by Christ.

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

“Little Benjamin” leads the way.....Paul’s gospel.

(Psa 68:27 KJV) There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.

to be continued....

 

[Fireinfolding]

That was so completely KOOL Wheeler!! The best yet, it spoke volumes to me I always knew Paul was figured into Benjamin (Chickapee always did too) I could grasp it in greater depth through your sharing of it though, thanks so much Wheeler, God bless you!

 

[Wheeler]

Well, here is the grand finale so to speak....in 3 parts.


As stated earlier, Paul’s letters, in its revealed spiritual Truth, acts as the “right hand” of Jesus Christ.....who is the “right hand” of God. Paul was of the tribe of “Benjamin” which means “son of the right hand.” And in the “right hand” of Christ, we see he has the “seven stars.”

(Rev 1:16 KJV) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

The “seven stars” are the “angels” of the seven churches. They are the last day messengers/preachers of the spiritual understanding of Paul’s letters. They are to understand completely as signified by “seven” and are to preach to all of the church. It is by Paul’s gospel....the “gospel of God”....that we are to “awaken” to in “Asia”.....which means “sunrise, resurrection.” The “stars” are to preach to the churches in the “morning” of the revealed Truth. As Paul was the “last” apostle, he shall be the “first” in declaring the “gospel of God.”

Rev 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Paul is “separated unto the gospel of God.” In his letters is the instruction of God to all of the churches.

(Rom 1:1 KJV) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

It concerns his Son Jesus Christ our Lord which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh. The Scriptures themselves were made up of people....their lives and testimonies that were lived in Truth...... and are of the body of Christ. The Scriptures have been without the spiritual Truth in man’s mind. The Scriptures have only been known in the “flesh” of man’s understanding.

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

But through the revealing of the spiritual Truth starting with Paul’s gospel (the gospel of God,) we are to completely understand His Word in the “resurrection” of the Truth. Our understanding will change from being “dead” in the flesh to a living and powerful understanding of the Son of God (who is the Truth of the Scriptures) according to the Spirit of holiness. This all starts with Paul’s letters.

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

If we “consider” what Paul is saying to us today, the Lord will give us understanding in all things.....all things in the Scripture of Truth.

(2 Tim 2:7 KJV) Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Paul’s gospel is the first thing (the last shall be first) that is to be understood spiritually which leads us into all understanding of the Scriptures in this last day. The “seed of David” refers to the beginning of the spiritual Truth that rises up from the earthly understanding of the Bible. The Word of God comes in Spirit and power....as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

And as stated earlier, Paul’s letters have suffered “trouble”....as an “evil doer even unto bonds”....unlearned and unstable men have wrested his letters. They have imprisoned and persecuted the church with their fleshly understanding of them. But the spiritual Word of God is not bound.

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

The “tabernacle of David” that is fallen because of the earthly understanding of man shall be raised up by God. The Scriptures will be opened up by our Lord Jesus Christ....who is that Truth of the Scriptures. He is that Truth, the Way and the Life.

(Amos 9:11 KJV) In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

The “fiery law” comes from the “right hand.” Paul is that “right hand” of Christ Jesus.

(Deu 33:2 KJV) And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mountParan, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.

Paul is the last who is to be first among all the saints. The spiritual understanding of Paul is the beginning of the spiritual understanding of the rest of the Bible.....the Revelation of Christ Jesus.

3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.
4 Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.

In every epistle of Paul is the “token” or “sign” of his own “hand.” That “hand” of Paul is the “right hand” of Christ Jesus who reveals the spiritual Truth in all of his epistles as was written in the Truth of our Lord by Paul. All of Paul’s letters are of direct revelation by Christ Jesus.

(2 Th 3:17 KJV) The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

There is no doubt there was a literal Timothy in Paul’s day. But “Timothy” especially represents the “angels” or messengers to all of the churches in this last day. The message of the “Timothy” of today is to preach the spiritual message contained in the writings of Paul. They are the people who have this “gift of God” to understand Paul.....which is in those by the putting on of Paul’s “hands.”

(2 Tim 1:6 KJV) Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

“Timothy” represents those messengers who are born of heavenly wisdom in this last day. They are the “son” of Paul so to speak because they are the first ones to understand Paul’s writings in His complete understanding. The seven “stars” are in the “right hand” of Christ Jesus.

(1 Tim 1:2 KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

These messengers are to preach to the churches what they understand Paul saying in his letters.

(2 Tim 4:1 KJV) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Timothy is often in the salutation of Paul’s letters....for a reason. It is the “Timothy” of today that will preach Paul’s letters in the spiritual Truth in Christ Jesus.

(2 Cor 1:1 KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

(Phile 1:1 KJV) Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

(Phil 1:1 KJV) Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

The “Timothy” of today comes as those messengers of the spiritual Truth of Paul. They are the “angels” unto the churches. They preach Paul in Christ....in the spiritual Truth. They bring to remembrance of Paul’s ways in Truth as opposed to the way earthly man preaches Paul. They are to teach what Paul is truly saying to every church every where....all of the seven churches.

(1 Cor 4:17 KJV) For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church

The “Timothy” of today comes to do the “work of the Lord” as Paul’s writings in the Truth also do.

(1 Cor 16:10 KJV) Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

The “Timothy” of today is sent by the Lord Jesus to us so that Paul may be of “good comfort” when he sees the churches respond favorably to their preaching. They will preach Paul’s letters in the spiritual Truth in the revelation of Christ Jesus. “Timothy” is a fellow worker with Paul.

(Phil 2:19 KJV) But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

Continued in next post.....

 

[Wheeler]

Part II....continued from previous post....



The church is the body of Christ....and each church represents a part of His body. The church in Ephesus was all about the wisdom.

(Eph 1:8 KJV) Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

They had left the wisdom of God. But the overcoming in the church of “Ephesus” (which means “first”)....represents those who first trust in the Word of Truth and grow up into him in all things......into the “head” of Christ. The “head” is where wisdom is....and the church of Ephesus represents the “head” of Christ.

(Eph 4:15 KJV) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Another example is the church in Philadelphia. The church in Philadelphia represents the church that has kept the love for each other throughout the history of the church. They had kept the commandment of Christ to love one another. This church lines up with the church in Thessalonians. The epistles of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians is to be read in conjunction with the church in Philadelphia. It is to be read unto all the holy brethren that has loved one another.

(1 Th 5:27 KJV) I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

The clue is here. The church does not need to be written to by Paul about loving one another because they do already....they are the church in “Philadelphia”...which means “brotherly love.” They are “taught of God to love one another”....they do His commandment.

(1 Th 4:9 KJV) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

The church in “Thessalonians” ( the church in brotherly love ....Philadelphia) is IN God the Father and IN the Lord Jesus Christ. They LOVE one another which is the fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets. They do not fight with one another over theological differences. They live the Life IN Christ Jesus. God is LOVE and they live in Him when they love one another.

(1 Th 1:1 KJV) Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The church who loves one another is THE example to all the other churches.....because they love one another. They live IN God and IN Christ. “Macedonia and Achaia” is a veiled reference to the time of trouble and tribulation of the church by the messengers of Satan....for the last 2000 years. “Achaia” means “trouble”....and refers to the time all of the churches have been fighting among each other...hating one another.

(1 Th 1:7 KJV) So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

In “Macedonia”.....a veiled reference to being in the fleshly understanding of the Scriptures.....is the time of “trouble” (Achaia) where there are fighting and fears and trouble on every side. The churches have been living in this time...divided and hating each other.

(2 Cor 7:5 KJV) For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

The church in Philadelphia.....the holy brethren who love one another....represents the “mouth” of Christ Jesus. The “mouth” is in the “head” of Christ. They keep his word of loving one another and have not denied his name by hating each other. The “open door” = the “mouth” of the Lord. Their mouth is to open that no man can “gainsay nor resist.”

(Rev 3:8 KJV) I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

(Luke 21:15 KJV) For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

They are not to let any man take their “crown.”

(Rev 3:11 KJV) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

“Stephen” means “crown”......even though Stephen spoke with the wisdom of God and the Spirit of Truth (the open door that no man can shut....the mouth of the Lord where the Sword of the Word comes out,) he did not hate those who disputed with him.....no man took his “crown.”

(Acts 6:9 KJV) Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

The letters to the Thessalonians talk about “speaking:”

(1 Th 2:2 KJV) But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

(1 Th 2:13 KJV) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

As Stephen was opposed, so also the speakers of the Truth will be opposed by our own countrymen. The Jews also opposed Jesus ....the speaker of the Truth.

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

It is the “Spirit of His mouth” that will consume those who oppose and reject the Truth.

(2 Th 2:8 KJV) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

The church that loves one another is to be the “mouth” in Christ’s body. They are to be established in every good word.

(2 Th 2:17 KJV) Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

(2 Th 3:14 KJV) And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Another example : the epistle of Paul to the Colossians lines up with the church in Laodicea. In fact, this is pretty much clearly stated:

(Col4:16 KJV) And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

Paul has a “great conflict” for those who do not understand Paul....those at “Laodicea.” Many have not SEEN his “face” in the flesh. The clue here is SEEING....the EYES of Christ.

(Col 2:1 KJV) For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

The church at Laodicea is given over to covetousness.....their riches and goods.

(Rev 3:17 KJV) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

The instruction is to “mortify” the members which are upon the earth. They are earthly-minded...minding the things of this world. Covetousness = idolatry.


(Col 3:5 KJV) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

The church in Laodicea that hasn’t overcome are “blind”....their “eyes” do not see their own sin. Those that overcome are to be the EYES of the body of Christ.

(Rev 3:18 KJV) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

The church in Laodicea that overcomes the wicked works of covetousness are to be presented as holy and unblameable in His SIGHT:

(Col1:21 KJV) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

The “eyes” are in the “head” of Christ.....the overcoming church in spiritual Laodicea are to be complete in him.....as the EYES of Christ.

(Col2:10 KJV) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

His eyes were as a flame of fire:

(Rev 1:14 KJV) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

The church in Laodicea is to buy of him gold tried in the “fire”.....His pure wisdom...where there is true riches.

(Rev 3:18 KJV) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

The mystery has been “hid” from the eyes of men...but is now manifest to His saints.

(Col1:26 KJV) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

The true RICHES are in Him as opposed to what the church in Laodicea thinks wealth is.

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:


In Him are hid all the TREASURES....true wealth.....of His wisdom and knowledge.

(Col 2:3 KJV) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

[Wheeler]

Now to really confuse you....I made a mistake. This is really PART II. The previous post is really Part III. Sorry about that...I posted them out of order.





As noted earlier, Paul will boast or glory of John who wrote Revelation. It was John who was “caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words.” Paul’s letters boast in John....it is with Paul that Revelation can be uttered with meaning.

(2 Cor 12:4 KJV) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

The “right hand” of Jesus (who is Paul) was placed upon John.

(Rev 1:17 KJV) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

John wrote to the seven churches of Asia. And not coincidentally, Paul also wrote to seven churches. These churches are one and the same. Each letter of Paul that was written to a specific church lines up with a specific church written to in Revelation. For example, the book of Ephesians lines up with the church in Ephesus:

In Revelation, the Ephesus church needs to overcome. It had left its “first love” which is God’s wisdom.

(Rev 2:4 KJV) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

By the preaching of the “Timothy” of today, the church in “Ephesus” can overcome. “Tychicus” is a veiled reference to the angel of the church of Ephesus. Tychicus = Timothy = the messenger of the Word of Truth to the church in Ephesus in this last day.

(Eph 6:21 KJV) But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

“Tychicus” will preach the “Word of Truth”.....the spiritual gospel as preached by Paul which saves the church.

(Eph 1:13 KJV) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

After hearing the Word of Truth as preached through the messenger “Tychicus,” the church of Ephesus can overcome. The church had left God’s wisdom and was filled with the desires of the flesh and of the mind....their own wisdom.

(Eph 2:1 KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

The church is the body of Christ....and each church represents a part of His body. The church in Ephesus was all about the wisdom.

 

[Wheeler]

One more before I go away for a little while.



The church in Sardis corresponds with the book of Galatians. “Galatia” means “white” and is referring to the true works of righteousness. The works of the church in Sardis are not perfect before God. The works of those in Galatians also are not perfect. They are works of the fleshly mind which brings divisions. The works are based on the earthly understanding of the Scriptures.

(Rev 3:1 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Those who WALK worthily are walking in WHITE (the meaning of Galatia.) Hence, we have the FEET of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church in Galatia ( works of true righteousness) are the FEET of Christ....they WALK in the Spirit.

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.


Those that can overcome their works of the flesh and walk in the Spirit will be clothed in white raiment....true works of righteousness.



5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

As it is in the church in Sardis, its also the same in Galatians, it is about the WORKS of that church. No man is justified by the works of the law. There are churches that follow after works of their own literal understanding on what they read in the Bible. The works will not save us....only faith that is of the Truth....of Jesus Christ.

(Gal 2:16 KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

This is to a church that is having trouble overcoming their own works. They will hear the Truth but stumble because of their works that are based on fleshly understanding. They will listen to those who seek to bring them back into bondage.


(Gal 3:3 KJV) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

The overcoming church in Sardis/ Galatia is the FEET of Jesus.....hence, the walking/running references in Galatians:

(Gal 5:7 KJV) Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?


WALK in the Spirit and not after the lust of the flesh....after our own thinking.

(Gal 5:16 KJV) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

WALK in the Spirit as the FEET of the Lord.

(Gal 5:25 KJV) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

We are not justified by our past church works...our rules, commandments of men, traditions, doctrines.....all of which are based on our outer understanding of the Word. We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. A new man in Christ Jesus.

(Gal 6:15 KJV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

As many that WALK according to this rule are the new creation... a new man. We have to get rid of the “old man” of religious works that promote hate and division with one another. Galatians = those dressed in “white raiment”......the true works of righteousness. They are the FEET of the body of the Lord.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

The “garment” is down to the “foot.”

(Rev 1:13 KJV) And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

His feet are like fine brass. The word “brass”.....is a combination of “chalkos” and “libanos” which comes from the word “laban” which means “WHITE.” Galatians = the church in Sardis. Overcoming Galatians are the FEET....and are dressed in WHITE raiment...true works of righteousness. They WALK in the Spirit.

(Rev 2:18 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;






Thanks for reading!!

 

[Fireinfolding]

Good sharing Wheeler thank you very much brother I will reread these again and again to see if I can grasp the patern you are showing.

God bless you

 

[Wheeler]

Hi all,

Just wanted to expand a little more about the church of the Laodiceans.

The church of the Laodiceans represents the EYE of the body. The “eye” of the body represents the leaders of the church whose job is to be the watchmen for the rest of the body. They are the servants that the Lord has placed over His flock. Not all of the body of Christ is the “eye.”

(1 Cor 12:17 KJV) If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

The eyes represent the leaders of the church....they are the “watchmen.” The “eyes” of the body have said “I am rich and increased with goods and need of nothing. ...” By saying this, the eyes are “blind.”

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Compare this to what Jesus teaches us in Matthew. We are not to lay up for ourselves treasures upon the earth....spoken to the eyes of the body....of the church.

(Mat 6:19 KJV) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The Light (Christ) of the body can be discerned with the EYE and the leaders of the church represent the EYE of the body. The church of Laodicea = the rulers/shepherds of the church = the “eyes” of the church body. If their eye is “evil” by pursuing after riches, then the whole body is full of darkness.....the rest of the church is full of darkness.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

If the leaders of the church (the eyes) are evil because of riches, then the whole body can’t understand the knowledge of God.....His Light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters....an “eye” of the church cannot serve his love for money....for big church buildings....for big bank accounts.....for big ministries and serve God. A leader of the church cannot be a good steward of the Truth if he is pursuing after unjust gain.

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

It is the “watchmen” that are the eyes of the body. They are “blind” because of their greediness for gain. He that “hasteth to rich hath an evil EYE.” An evil eye will choose his love for riches over his love for God.

(Prov 28:22 KJV) He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

They are the shepherds of the flock of God who “look” to their own way....for his own gain. They are shepherds who have no understanding.....they are “blind” and cannot see.

(Isa 56:10 KJV) His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

Many of our shepherds today are blind because of the riches they have accumulated from the church by using their own covetous thoughts and ways. Their “eyes” are blind to the Truth....and so the rest of the body is in great darkness. The “princes” love “gifts” and follow after rewards. They do not care for the poor condition of the flock as they should.

(Isa 1:23 KJV) Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

The rulers of the church =the eyes of the body=the church of Laodicea. Those leaders who are greedy of gain trouble the “house.” They trouble the rest of the body. But the leaders who hate “gifts” shall live. The rulers of the church can overcome and sit in the throne with Christ.

(Prov 15:27 KJV) He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

It says in the Law....the Torah....the INSTRUCTION.....that you shall not take any “gift.” The “gift” BLINDETH the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. The “gift” blinds the eyes of the body.....it blinds the leaders of the church and so the rest of the church is blinded as a result. The love of riches also causes the wresting of the Scriptures for unjust gain....it perverts the words of the righteous. Paul’s writings as well as the rest of the saints’ eyewitness accounts in the Bible are holy in the eyes of Christ.

(Exo 23:8 KJV) And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Will thou set thine EYES upon which is not? For riches shall fly away:

(Prov 23:5 KJV) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Our Lord comes to open the “eyes” of the blind with His knowledge and wisdom. He counsels and rebukes those He loves. He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire.....His knowledge, wisdom and faith. He counsels them to anoint their eyes with eye salve so that they may “see.”

Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

He counsels the rich rulers of the church just as he did the rich ruler in Mark 10. He rebukes and chastens those he loves.

Note: Jesus “BEHOLDING” him.....a reference to the “EYES” LOOKING on. He loved the rich ruler.....he rebukes and chastens those he loves today.

(Mark 10:21 KJV) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

If a leader of the church cannot sell all that he has and follow after the Truth, then he will also go away “grieved.” No leader of the church can trust in his riches and expect to understand and preach the mysteries of the hidden gospel in Christ Jesus. How will they reign with Christ if riches continue to blind them? They will be presented with a decision....love God or love your riches which will perish and testify against them.

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Jesus told the church of the Laodiceans that he would “spue thee out of my mouth.”

(Rev 3:14 KJV) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Interestingly, “spewing” was also done to make the eye salve that healed the blind man in John 9. Jesus is the LIGHT of the EYE that will illuminate the entire body.....all of the church. He will anoint the “eyes” so that they may see and preach His Truth to the body. But in order for the EYE to overcome, he must be rebuked and chastened by the Lord.....the “spewing” out of his mouth. The Lord will tell them their faults.....teach and discipline those he loves.

(John 9:5) As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Those that can overcome will be granted the right to sit in the throne with the Lord.

Rev 3: 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

A king that sits in the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his EYES:

(Prov 20:8 KJV) A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

The “goodman of the house” is supposed to be watching...he is supposed to be watching for the presence of the Son of man....he is supposed to be watching for the Truth being revealed in the Scriptures so that he may preach the Truth to those who are in his care. “If the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have WATCHED......”

(Mat 24:43 KJV) But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

The “rulers” over the household are those who have been placed by the Lord as the watchmen over the flock. They are the “shepherds.” They are the “eyes” of the body. They are the church at Laodicea. Blessed is that servant who will feed the flock the “meat” of the revealed Truth in “due season.” He will be made “ruler over his household”....he will be granted the right to sit in His throne.

45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

He shall be made ruler over all of His goods. He shall sit in the throne with the Lord.

47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

The Lord will come to the servant who is not LOOKING for Him and will cut him asunder. The servant that is over the flock is supposed to operate as the EYE of the body....as the watchman. If he is “blind,” then the Son of Man comes in an hour that is not aware of.

50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

If the “goodman of the house” is not watching for His Truth, then his house will be broken up. The Lord will seek His flock and deliver them from those shepherds who will not feed the flock with His Truth (the meat) at the appointed time....in “due season.” The church ruler will lose his subjects.....his congregation who will go after the revealed Truth in the Lord leaving that servant. His sheep will follow the True Shepherd’s voice who will feed them with the Scripture of Truth....the true bread and water of life.

(Ezek 34:9 KJV) Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
11 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

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The Pharisees and scribes were also the “eyes” of the people. They were the leaders....but they were hypocrites who were blind. They were “blind guides” to the people. They refused to listen to Jesus who spoke the Truth of the Lord. They refused to “see.” They loved money....they loved to be greeted in the marketplaces....they loved to sit in the chief seats and the uppermost rooms. They loved the glory of men more than the glory of God. These things blinded them to seeing the Truth. We have many leaders in the church today who enjoy the same things as they did.

(Mark 12:38 KJV) And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

These shall receive “greater damnation.” “Laodicea” means “ people of the judgment” and is about those leaders in the church today who have the same problems as the Pharisees and scribes did.

40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

The Pharisees appeared righteous on the outside but were full of extortion and excess within. .....they were BLIND leaders. They were the “eyes” of the body that were blind. We have blind leaders today in the church.....blind eyes of the body which causes the whole body to be full of darkness.

(Mat 23:25 KJV) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

The blind leaders make the whole body “blind.”

(Mat 15:14 KJV) Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Our leaders are to repent and be zealous for the Lord so that they may have the right to sit in the throne of the Lord.....David.

(1 Ki 15:4 KJV) Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

They are to do what is right in the EYES of the Lord....just as David did.

5 Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

The leaders are not to be like Ahab....a king who did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight or EYE of the Lord. What profit is there to gain the whole world but lose your soul?

(1 Ki 21:25 KJV) But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

The ransom of a man’s life are his riches....the church leaders are to repent of their covetous thoughts, ways and preaching.

(Prov 13:8 KJV) The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

They are to rejoice at hearing His revealed Truth.....they are to have ZEAL.

9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

His eyes are as a flame of fire..... having ZEAL:

(Rev 1:14 KJV) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

His eyes are as lamps of fire.....having ZEAL:

(Dan 10:6 KJV) His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

The “eyes” are to have zeal for His Truth....for His Word....for His righteousness....for His counsel. The rulers are to be on fire for Him and repent of their thoughts and ways.

(Rev 3:19 KJV) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Behold......SEE....he comes with the “clouds”....the opening of the Scriptures (the cloud of witnesses) and every EYE shall SEE him. Not everyone is the “eye” of the body.

(Rev 1:7 KJV) Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Let not the rulers of today be “grieved” when they see and hear His counsel. Those who continue to mind the earthly things will grieve and will turn away from the Lord and His wisdom and knowledge. ...just like the rich ruler who could not part with his riches.

(Mark 10:22 KJV) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

(Luke 18:23 KJV) And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

The rich rulers should be like Zacchaeus who received the Lord with JOY. Zacchaeus is the example of the rich man that can be saved. He was a ruler also....being chief of the publicans. Note: He climbed a sycamore tree to SEE him....Zacchaeus was an “eye.”

(Luke 19:4 KJV) And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

Jesus rebukes and chastens those he loves. He told Zacchaeus to make “haste” .....be ZEALOUS for His Word.....and “come down”.....REPENT....to humble himself at the revealed Word of God.

5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

Note: The Lord was to abide at Zacchaeus’ house..... “I must abide at thy house.” Compare that to the overcoming church in Laodicea:

(Rev 3:20 KJV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Zacchaeus had “opened the door” to the Lord......and the Lord abided at his house....he had gone to be a “guest” with him....as He will to those rulers who will receive Him with joy. He will come in to him and “sup with him and he with me.”

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

The shepherds are also a “son of Abraham” if they will hear and have faith in His revealed Truth....to receive it with joy. He opens up the Scriptures for us today....and our faith in His Word will be credited to us as righteousness. True righteousness in God.....true “works” of God.

9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

In the “year of release,” the leaders of the church must not with a wicked heart keep back the Truth from his “household.” He must not try to hold on to his wealth that he gained from those underneath his care. The “year of release”= the time of the revelation of the Truth = “due season.”

(Deu 15:9 KJV) Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

This is echoed in James. Those that hold back the revealed Truth from the “poor” in spirit will be in danger....one must have not an evil “eye” against the poor brothers....the poor flock of God. He must preach the Truth even when it means getting rid of his church wealth. He must lose his life in order to save it. The preacher, pastor, priest, reverend’s “ransom” is his riches.

(James 5:1 KJV) Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

It will become a sin to those who hold back the revealed Truth when it is heard...who will hold down the Truth in unrighteousness..... from the flock in order to keep their riches.

4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

Their own prosperity shall destroy them:

(Prov 1:32 KJV) For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.


The servant that feeds the flock in “due season” shall be blessed. Those that have a “bountiful eye” will give His bread to the poor. He will preach the revealed Truth to his listeners.....to the “poor” flock that is in his care. He will be made a ruler over all of His goods.....sitting in throne with the Lord.

(Prov 22:9 KJV) He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

 

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The epistle of Colossians is the letter written especially to the church of Laodicea.

(Col4:16 KJV) And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

It is the letter specifically written to the leaders of the church today who are to overcome and have the right to sit in the throne of the Lord. “Colossians” = “Colossae” which means “correction, punishment.” This name signifies the rebuke and chastening of the church of Laodicea. The leaders of the church today are to be zealous and repent at His correction. “Colossae” = “punishment, correction”......the church of the Laodiceans are to be rebuked and chastened by the Lord.

(Rev 3:19 KJV) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Those leaders of the church are to have faith in Christ Jesus....His Truth.

(Col 1:4 KJV) Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

Hope is to be laid up for them in heaven.

5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

The leader is not to lay up treasures upon earth but to lay up “treasure in heaven.”

(Mat 6:19 KJV) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The eye is to be “single” so that the whole body shall be full of light. Those overcoming leaders of the church can then be preachers of the Word of Truth. The church of Laodicea = Colossians = the eyes of the body.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

The “eyes” of the church have been blind because of their riches....and so the rest of the body has been full of darkness.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

The leaders that accept the Word of Truth are to be delivered from the power of darkness and translated in the kingdom of His dear Son....the reign....the throne of Christ. They will be granted the right to sit in His throne.

(Col1:13 KJV) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Those overcoming servants of the Lord will be granted the right to sit in His throne.

(Rev 3:21 KJV) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

The epistle to the “Colossians” is a veiled letter to the overcoming servants who have been placed over the flock of God. This is why there is the mentioning of “thrones, dominions, principalities, powers” in this letter. By Him all things were created....including their dominion in the church. He is the head of all those who He had put in charge of the flock of God. He is the head of the entire body and His servants that he placed in charge are to hear His rebuke and chastening. Colossae = punishment, correction. Those that will not hear His counsel will be cut “asunder” and be appointed a place with the hypocrites.

(Col1:15 KJV) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

He is the BEGINNING:

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

And it is no coincidence that this is also written to the church of the Laodiceans: He is the BEGINNING....a reminder of who is really in charge....... to those servants ( the church of the Laodiceans) who He had put in charge until His coming.

(Rev 3:14 KJV) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Those servants that have been put in charge are to receive His revealed Word of Truth with joy and be made complete in Him. He is head of all principality and power....those servants who were appointed by Him.

(Col2:10 KJV) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

The servants are responsible for teaching the rest of the body (the members which are upon the earth.) The message: deaden those acts of covetousness.

(Col 3:5 KJV) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

The overcoming church of the Laodiceans (Colossians) needs to preach to the rest of the body of Christ (those members which are upon the earth.)

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

The church of Laodicea represents the “eye” of the body.

No “eye” has seen nor ear have heard and neither has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love him. This leads us to the next topic: the church of Ephesus. The church of Ephesus represents the head or MIND of Christ. It is where the wisdom, revelation and knowledge of God dwells....the Spirit of God.....in the MIND of Christ.

(1 Cor 2:9 KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

It is through the Spirit of God that His wisdom is revealed. It is the church of Ephesus who searches the deep things of God through His Spirit.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

The “eye” of the church can only understand spiritual things with the mind of Christ....and the “head” or mind of Christ is represented by the church in Ephesus. Every church represents a different part of the body of Christ. Each one has its own function. No one part can exist without the others. No “eye” has seen except that it is revealed by His Spirit.....which starts with the church in Ephesus revealing the deep things of God. “Ephesus” means “FIRST.”

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Corinthians is spoken to the whole body of Christ.....all that are in “every place.”

(1 Cor 1:2 KJV) Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

The importance of the “head” of the body was stressed to those “eyes” ....who are the “Colossians”.....the church of Laodicea. The “eyes” of the church have to listen to the preaching of the “head” ...... Ephesus.

(Col1:18 KJV) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Those who overcome in the church of Ephesus are in the mind or “head” of Christ. They have the wisdom of God....and the church leaders (the eyes) are to listen to them. The church of the “Colossians” has to listen to the overcoming church of Ephesus who represents the Head of Christ. From the Head is the nourishment of all the body:

(Col2:19 KJV) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Now as was pointed out before, the church of Ephesus had left its “first love.”

(Rev 2:4 KJV) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

That “first love” is God’s wisdom. Ephesus is all about the wisdom of God....the MIND of Christ.....the HEAD of Christ. Those of the church of Ephesus (as well as everyone else in the body) is supposed to love the “principal thing”...... God’s wisdom:

(Prov 4:6 KJV) Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

She will give to the HEAD..... the overcoming church of Ephesus.....an ornament of grace....a crown of glory which is worn on the HEAD.

9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Those of the modern-day church of Ephesus who can overcome will be given will be given the right to give “eat of the tree of Life:”

(Rev 2:7 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The Tree of Life is the mind of Christ Jesus who is the WISDOM of God. Wisdom is that Tree of Life.

(Prov 3:18 KJV) She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

At Ephesus, there was disputing over knowledge.....indicating the things of the MIND.

(Acts 19:9 KJV) But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Now as stated previously, the epistle to Ephesians is written to the modern-day over comers of the church of Ephesus. Those that can overcome will be given the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:

(Eph 1:17 KJV) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

He will raise the overcoming church of Ephesus to sit in “heavenly places”.....the MIND or Head of Christ. They are to be IN Christ.

(Eph 2:5 KJV) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

(Eph 1:3 KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

The church in Colossians: Christ IN you.

(Col1:27 KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:


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The “heavenly places” is the MIND of Christ that the church in Ephesus is to become one with. Every church represents a different part of the whole body. The job for those of Ephesus is to preach the wisdom and revelation of God to the church leaders.....the“eyes” who are to look to heaven and see the Son of Man coming in the “clouds of heaven.” What are in the heavens? Stars.....and CLOUDS. The church in Ephesus is raised up in heavenly places in Christ.....they represent the Head of Christ.

(Rev 1:7 KJV) Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Jacob dreamed and saw a ladder set up on the earth .....and its top (HEAD) reached to heaven. The church in Ephesus is to be raised up in the heavenly places in the mind of Christ Jesus.

(Gen 28:12 KJV) And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

The church of Ephesus had previously been dead in trespasses and sins. They had relied upon their own wisdom instead of God’s.

(Eph 2:1 KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:

They had in time past walked according to the prince of the AIR....in keeping with the theme of being up above.

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Their past times were lived in the lusts of the flesh...fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the MIND....in keeping with the “mind” theme.

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

But he quickens the church of Ephesus and makes them part of His Head....in the heavenly places.

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

The job of the overcoming Ephesians in the mind of Christ is to wrestle with those rulers of the darkness of this world. They are those who will not believe the revealed Truth...those of the church of the Ephesians and Laodiceans who are the rulers of the church. The “evil” eyes keep the whole body in darkness because of their covetousness...riches. They wrestle with those who are wise in their own eyes who are in high positions over the rest of the body which is upon the earth....the flesh and blood....those poor in spirit.

(Eph 6:11 KJV) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

They “try” those who say they are apostles and are not.

(Rev 2:2 KJV) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

They will fight with the “beasts at Ephesus”....those who will rely upon their own wisdom and keep the church under their submission.

(1 Cor 15:32 KJV) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

To be continued.....

 

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Paul’s letters were written to the first early churches and also especially the last-day churches that have yet to really hear the Truth of his words in Christ Jesus. Paul had written to the prototype churches 2000 years ago but now his gospel in Christ Jesus is being revealed today to the overcoming churches. We are to be called out of the darkness....the ignorance...that all the churches have been living in. We are to come together as ONE body in ONE mind. It doesn’t take much observance to see that the churches are NOT one today. But in a not-to-distant future, we are to come together as ONE body as a NEW MAN in Christ by Paul’s gospel as revealed by Him.

Christ Jesus is the Truth and he comes to open up the Scriptures to our understanding. Those who will first trust His opening up of His knowledge are of the church of Ephesus in this last day.

(Eph 1:12 KJV) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

The church in Ephesus will trust the revealing of the Word of Truth by the Lord Jesus Christ.....not by man’s wisdom as preached for the last 2000 years. This is going to be a NEW SONG. “Ephesus” means “first.”

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

The church of modern-day Ephesus is to know the “mystery of His will.”

(Eph 1:9 KJV) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

The fullness of times is coming in which all of the church is going to be built into ONE body in ONE mind. It starts FIRST with the church of Ephesus.

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

The church of Ephesus is to obtain an inheritance according to His purpose of gathering all things in Christ.

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

He gives those of the church of this last-day Ephesus (those who first trust in His Word of Truth,) the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. They are to be the “head” of Christ.....the “head” of the church body that is to be built by the wisdom that He has given this church. Knowledge resides in the MIND.

(Eph 1:17 KJV) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

This church will be composed of both Gentiles and Jews.

(Eph 2:11 KJV) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

The relationship between gentile Christians and Jews have been contentious at best. There has been a “wall of partition” between us.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

There has been “enmity”......hostility between the two groups.

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

But He is going to reconcile us both into ONE body. Obviously, this hasn’t happened yet....for there still is great hostility between both groups.

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
The corresponding miracle that the Lord has prophetically showed us is the TWO men in Matthew who were possessed with devils coming out of the tombs.

(Mat 8:28 KJV) And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

Let us look at the break down of the “country of Gergesenes. ” The word for “country” is “chora” which means “an empty expanse, gulf, chasm.” There has been a “chasm” between the gentile Christians and the Jews for the last 2000 years. “Gergesenes” means “those who come from pilgrimage or fight.” There has been fighting between the two groups. The two men were “exceedingly fierce.” They have been living among the “tombs.” When man relies upon his own wisdom of the Scriptures, it is a tomb. Man’s teaching is based on error (missing the mark....sin) and keeps those who listens to them in “tombs.”

There were TWO men in Matthew but there is only ONE man in the same account in both Mark and Luke. The Lord will make break down the “wall of partition” between us and make ONE new man. In fact, the place name in Mark is “Gadarenes” means “a place surrounded or WALLED.” He will break down that wall to make ONE new man.

(Mark 5:1 KJV) And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

The Lord will cut off the names of the idols out of the land....he will cause the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. He will cut off the doctrines, commandments, traditions of men that were formed to worship God with. God is not like our works of our hands....He is not our “gold and silver”...our big church buildings, our big ministries, our tenets of faith, our doctrines of errors.

(Zec 13:1 KJV) In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
2 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
3 And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.
4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

He will make the two into ONE new man....and then we can be dressed in our right MIND. The church of Ephesus is going to be ONE man and to be the MIND of Christ.

(Mark 5:15 KJV) And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

The church of Ephesus is to be “clothed” in the MIND of Christ. They are to sit at His feet and hear His wisdom, revelation and knowledge.....as ONE man.

(Luke 8:35 KJV) Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

The “swine” represents those who feed themselves. Instead of coming to Jesus, they exalt themselves against His revelation of the Truth.....they feed on the “mountain”...exalting themselves. The “swine” are afar off from the Truth. They lean upon their own understanding and wisdom.

(Luke 8:32 KJV) And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Those who exalt themselves in the face of the Truth will be humbled.....the herd ran violently DOWN a steep place into the lake....the lake of fire. They will perish in their own corruption.

33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

The church of Ephesus had been walking according to the course of this world....both groups. They were as the man (or two men) living among the “tombs.”

(Eph 2:2 KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

They were of an unclean mind....fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind...being children of wrath....fierceness.

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

The church of Ephesus had been “dead in sins”....as the man among the “tombs.”

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved

But He will heal the two groups and make them into ONE NEW MAN....and then we can SIT at the feet of Jesus.....we shall sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

We shall sit TOGETHER....dressed in our “right mind”....having the mind of Christ.

(Luke 8:35 KJV) Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

The church of Ephesus, both Jew and gentile, shall sit TOGETHER....bound by PEACE and LOVE for one another in the Spirit of God.

(Eph 4:3 KJV) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The demon possessed man could not be bound previously:

(Luke 8:29 KJV) (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

What man could not hold together between Gentiles and Jews, God can through His Spirit make a NEW MAN that will be in the “bond of peace.”

To be continued.....

 

[Wheeler]

As stated, the church of Ephesus is to represent the “head” of the body of the church....to be in Christ. They are to be the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers that will help build the body of Christ in the Truth in this last day. The churches have lived in separation....hating one another and not being of one mind and one body. It is the will of God that the churches come together as one body in one mind.

(Eph 4:11 KJV) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

The church of Ephesus’ work will be to build the body of Christ so that we all come together in the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.....unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. We shall all be of one mind and one body as a result of their work in Christ Jesus.....

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

......so that the churches will no more be “children” tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine of men who lie in wait to deceive.

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

The church of Ephesus represents the “head” ....the church that has the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. With the Spirit, the whole body can then be joined together......in love.

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

From the “Head,” the rest of the body is ministered nourishment. The rest of the body is to be built together in love for each other.

(Col2:19 KJV) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

As previously stated, the church of Ephesus will be a combination of believing Jews and Gentiles who come together as one mind in Christ Jesus....where there will be neither distinction between Jew or Gentile. They had been as the demon possessed man who lived among the tombs. They had walked according to the unclean spirit.....according to the prince of the power of the air.

(Eph 2:2 KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

They were children of wrath....living out the desires of the flesh and of the mind:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But in His mercy and love does He save them....and all of us.

(Eph 2:4 KJV) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

As the Spirit shows us through the healing of the demon possessed man, the Lord will send those who are of the church of Ephesus out to be the apostles, prophets, teachers.

(Mark 5:18 KJV) And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

They are to “go home to thy friends” and tell or preach to the rest of the churches the great things that the Lord has done for them.....and His compassion. They are to be messengers of the Lord to their own people....to the rest of the church.

19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

And again, they are those who are sent.....the apostles....to their own house in order to preach about the great things God has done to them....the forgiveness of sins.

(Luke 8:38 KJV) Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
39 Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

They are the modern-day “Epaphrus” that is to come and preach the Word of the Truth of the gospel to the “Colossians”....those rulers of the church who are the “eyes.” The “Colossians” are those of the church of the “Laodiceans” who will embrace the Word of Truth in belief.

(Col 1:5 KJV) For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

They are the “Epaphras” of today....the ministers of Christ...who will have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

“Epaphras” will declare the love that the Colossians will have for the Truth in the Spirit. Epaphras = the church of Ephesus = the believing Jews and Gentiles who will receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in this last day = the apostles of today.

8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Those who have had their “eyes” blinded are to go to wash in the pool of Siloam......which is interpreted “Sent”.....which is the word “apostello.” Apostello = the apostles of the church of the Ephesians who have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. They represent the “head” of the body in Christ....the place of God’s wisdom and knowledge.

(John 9:7 KJV) And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Those that believe on Him that opens up the Scriptures for our understanding will have rivers of living water flowing out of his belly. They are to be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise....the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.

(John 7:37 KJV) In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

The letter of Ephesians is especially written to those who will first believe in the revealed Scripture of Truth. They will be in the “head” of Christ.....being spiritually raised up to sit together in heavenly places....in Christ Jesus. They are to be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.....the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

(Eph 1:13 KJV) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

And the Holy Spirit of promise can be found in Acts. This is one and the same....the same Holy Spirit of promise that came upon the apostles 2000 years ago is once again to come to those who will spiritually assemble in the belief of the revealed Truth in this last day....to those who will hear the Spirit in this last day.

(Acts 1:4 KJV) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

And the purpose is to restore again the kingdom of Israel.....to build up the body in love...to edify.

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Those of the church of Ephesus are to be given the Holy Spirit of promise....to be sealed with that Spirit of power in order to be witnesses to others about the revealed Truth....the revelation of Christ Jesus.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Those who are appointed to be apostles are to be witnesses...... the overcoming church of Ephesus. The manifold wisdom of God is to be made known by the church to the principalities and powers that are currently in charge of the churches.

(Eph 3:9 KJV) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

The overcoming church of Ephesus is to receive power in the Lord after the Holy Spirit of promise is come upon them.

(Eph 3:19 KJV) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

The last-day church of Ephesus is to be strengthened with MIGHT (power) by His Spirit in the inner man:

(Eph 3:16 KJV) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

The church of “Ephesus” is to be strong in the Lord.....and in the POWER of His might:

(Eph 6:10 KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

The Holy Spirit of promise is for the perfecting of the saints.....for the work of the ministry....for the building of the body of Christ.....for the restoring of the kingdom of Israel.

(Eph 4:12 KJV) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

It is for ministering grace unto the hearers....to build up the body in the Truth.

(Eph 4:29 KJV) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Through the Holy Spirit, we will speak the Truth.....the “cloven tongues like as of fire.” We will rightly divide the Word of God in His knowledge and not the tongues of men.

(Acts 2:3 KJV) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

And when this Truth gets spread abroad through the preaching of the church of Ephesus who will have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, then the “multitude” shall come together.....the building up of the body of Christ....the “edifying” of the body of Christ.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

At “Ephesus” will be the Pentecost....a great door shall be opened to those who will first trust in the Lord’s opening up of the Scriptures. A “mouth” shall be opened up to them in order to speak the revealed Truth with the purpose of building the body into one new man in Christ Jesus.....the powerful works of God.

(1 Cor 16:8 KJV) But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

continued in following post.....